What was once an abandoned coffee nursery at PNG UNRE’s Popondetta Campus is now thriving, thanks to the determination of second-year Agriculture students (2025 cohort) and the leadership of their course instructor.
The hands-on project began in August 2025 as part of the STA211.2 Perennial Crop Production course, under the guidance of course instructor Mr Judah Brandy. His vision and hands-on commitment were instrumental in transforming the neglected facility into a functional training site.
Mr Brandy said the initiative was designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world agricultural practice.
“This project shows that what we teach in the classroom can be applied directly in the field,” he said.
The nursery had been left unused for several years after a fallen tree damaged its iron structure and walkways became buried under soil.
Mr Brandy said some students initially believed the facility could not be restored but despite the doubts, he remained confident it was possible. His persistence and practical involvement were key to turning the idea into a successful student-led restoration project.
“At first, the students didn’t believe the nursery could be revived,” he said. “But with planning and determination, we proved it could be done.”
Throughout the four-week block-mode delivery, students balanced lectures, tutorials and assessments while restoring the facility.
Restoration work included strengthening the framework, tightening fencing, replacing damaged posts and filling walkways with river gravel to improve access and safety. There were times when Mr Brandy continued work on the nursery on his own while students attended to other academic commitments.
Once the nursery became operational, students began propagating Robusta coffee seeds sourced from the University’s Vudal Campus.
Germination occurred within 32 to 40 days, and with assistance from farm officers, butterfly-stage seedlings were transplanted into polybags. The seedlings are now approximately three months old.
The project is set to expand further, with one hectare of land allocated for field establishment. Planned activities include land clearance, field marking, access road planning and the planting of shade trees such as Gliricidia and banana. Field planting is expected around June or July.
Mr Brandy said the project demonstrated what could be achieved through commitment rather than resources.
“This shows what can be achieved when students believe in their ability to solve real problems,” he said. “It’s not about having everything, but about making the best use of what is available.”
He acknowledged the students, course tutor Ms Jacinta Anderson, the Popondetta Campus administration for financial assistance, Dr Urakowi for providing river gravel, and the campus farm team for supporting the project.